TiO2 coupled to predominantly metallic MoS2 for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

TiO2–MoS2 composites composed of predominantly metallic MoS2 (MoS2 (1 T)) sheets and uniform dispersed P25 nanoparticles were prepared by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis assisted with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). It was proved that the incorporation of CTAB played an important role through endowing the as-prepared composites with a high MoS2 (1 T) purity of 69% and supporting a good interfacial contact between TiO2 and MoS2. Benefiting from the advanced structure, not only light harvesting but also electron transfer of the composites for photocatalytic reaction was improved, resulting in outstanding catalytic performance and long durability for the photodegradation of dye rhodamine B. The possible growth and photocatalytic mechanism are discussed in detail. This work provides a highly efficient photocatalyst with multiple merits, such as light harvesting with broadened window, electron delivery channels with high mobility, active sites with a massive number, effective migration of photoelectron and so on. Simultaneously, it promises a potential bottom-up synthesis strategy assisted with surfactant on fabrication of MoS2 (1 T)-based composites, which will contribute to the improvement in energy and environment fields.